Under New Management

The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet Commander was relieved yesterday (8/24/17) due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command. On the surface, this appears to be good logic for good cause. But if you dig deeper, “firing” employees is a cultural norm that does not necessarily address the root of the issue.

Drive around any urban environment and you are bound to see signage that reads, Under New Management. We are suckers for this verbiage. We are suckers for anything “new”. We are suckers for a quick fix.

Fans of the NFL (National Football League ) don’t have to look much further to see what a farce this concept is. Coaches are hired and fired almost as fast as consumers scratch off lottery tickets looking for the solution to all their problems. New management is (mostly) an illusion. Who’s to say that this new management is much better than the old? Team owners fail to recognize the fact that players lead locker rooms, not coaches! Coaches may be a catalyst to spark a move in the right direction – but to change or create a culture they need the right players surrounding them…and a little luck.

THE CHALLENGE: If you tend to blame leaders for failing you, you are on the wrong planet. If you want the president, queen, king, prince, or dictator to solve all of your problems, you are on the wrong planet. If you jump the fence because the grass is greener on the other side, you’ll probably land in a big mountain of fecal matter – and you’re still on the wrong planet. People will always, always, always fall short of your expectations.

I am not trying to undermine the responsibility of leaders. But a leader who has not yet “arrived” should not be the cause of fury, hate, and discontent. “Under New Management” is really an old method of managing growing pains – don’t be a sucker! Give people room to grow. in the meantime, be content. Be stoic. Find joy in doing the work that YOU can do. Lead those that YOU can lead. Be present in every moment of YOUR life!

Published by coreynasfell

I am a lucky husband and grateful father. I love to observe the world around me and "mine for mental gold." This blog is an expression of ideas designed to add value to your life.
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